5 answers
Sanya
Student
Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
3
Questions
Updated
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What should I do if I have two different passions I heard that to get into competitive colleges you needed to show a spike on your resume like a specific passion you pursued. The issue is I have two science/biology and creative writing. I have always wanted to go to NYU, or Vanderbilt but both of those are competitive schools and I’m not sure how to connect these two passions? ?
I want to do pre med in college
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5 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer
376
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Sanya,
There is no need to have only one passion or to connect your two passions. Colleges want to see excellent students of course, but also well-rounded students. Your science/bio passion leads you into medicine. And you have a great hobby in creative writing. Nothing wrong with that. Everyone should have something to balance their professional life. You could join or start a writing/literature group to make it a bit more "official" and less solitary, but definitely keep it up.
If you absolutely want to make a connection, you could become a pediatrician and write stories for your kid patients and their parents. Or an oncologist who writes funny and uplifting stories for patients who go through a difficult time. You could initiate a reading/writing club at the hospital to give patients a bit of diversion.
What you can start now to put you on the path to med school is job shadowing and interning or volunteering in medical settings. You should also have some activity that is community service and/or something that shows leadership or teamwork. And, of course, keep that GPA up, take AP classes, pick courses in math and science maybe psychology. A language would also be great.
I hope this helps! Good luck on your journey to become an awesome doctor!
KP
There is no need to have only one passion or to connect your two passions. Colleges want to see excellent students of course, but also well-rounded students. Your science/bio passion leads you into medicine. And you have a great hobby in creative writing. Nothing wrong with that. Everyone should have something to balance their professional life. You could join or start a writing/literature group to make it a bit more "official" and less solitary, but definitely keep it up.
If you absolutely want to make a connection, you could become a pediatrician and write stories for your kid patients and their parents. Or an oncologist who writes funny and uplifting stories for patients who go through a difficult time. You could initiate a reading/writing club at the hospital to give patients a bit of diversion.
What you can start now to put you on the path to med school is job shadowing and interning or volunteering in medical settings. You should also have some activity that is community service and/or something that shows leadership or teamwork. And, of course, keep that GPA up, take AP classes, pick courses in math and science maybe psychology. A language would also be great.
I hope this helps! Good luck on your journey to become an awesome doctor!
KP
Tom Foster
Freelance Writer with a lot of life experience
50
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
The other two are correct, you don't need to separate them. You can go pre med and still explore your talents as a writer. In fact, you might find that your desired profession will inspire your talent for writing. If you want both but want to focus on one initially, then do so, but don't abandon either of them. Writing is great as a hobby, or as a talent for reaching others that can act as a supplement to a living. Cultivate both skills, but keep in mind which will pay the bills.
Ok thank you!
Sanya
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
337
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
What a terrific question, Sanya! I agree with Karin's advice. You could do both without officially connecting them, although I like her ideas for how to do so. Even without the connection, the writing might make you a more compassionate doctor and your knowledge and experience as a doctor might inform your writing.
You could also shift emphasis in various phases of your life. For example, you might focus on medicine as you complete your studies and start your career. As you wind down your medical career, you could focus more on your writing.
You mentioned creative writing specifically. I did want to mention, however, that writing could be combined with medicine in other ways. For example, if you wanted to focus more on medical research, there would be papers, articles, and presentations to write. Also, you could be a journalist (print or broadcast) focusing on medical and health issues. Or you could do communications for medical or health organizations.
Good luck!
You could also shift emphasis in various phases of your life. For example, you might focus on medicine as you complete your studies and start your career. As you wind down your medical career, you could focus more on your writing.
You mentioned creative writing specifically. I did want to mention, however, that writing could be combined with medicine in other ways. For example, if you wanted to focus more on medical research, there would be papers, articles, and presentations to write. Also, you could be a journalist (print or broadcast) focusing on medical and health issues. Or you could do communications for medical or health organizations.
Good luck!
Harold Gross
Staff Technical Writer, Author, Actor
10
Answers
Issaquah, Washington
Updated
Harold’s Answer
Hi Sanya,
I'm a little late to this, but wanted to add my thoughts to your question.
I too have a sort of split focus in my life, and did going into college. I was originally a triple major: actor, math, computer science. I was/am also an author. When applying and interviewing for schools, I embraced all aspects of my interests. To be fair, I wasn't looking at a discipline such as medicine. If you are considering pre-med, then you probably do need to hyperfocus your interests. Pre-med is not known for its imagination. You can still discuss other interests in the interviews as a value-add and abilities. But other than that very specific situation, science and creative arts can nicely cohabit as a package.
I've found that to be true even after college as well. My current resume still reflects all of my interests. I am a professional actor. I am a published author. I was a software exec and am still in the industry as a tech writer. Others have also responded with the sentiment, but having broad interests can be an asset when seeking employment.
Firstly, broad interests show your flexibility. Being able to handle a wide range of information and situations is a solid ability. Secondly, and I would argue more importantly, do you really want to work for anyone who doesn't recognize or value all of your abilities? Though I focus my resume for specific jobs, I also purposefully have a few odd things on what I submit to see how employers respond to them. They are real aspects of my life, but I am always curious to see who will respond to them and how. I've passed on jobs where those items were received poorly because I knew the culture of the company wouldn't meet my needs.
Given the specific schools you are targeting, I think your broad interests will be seen as an asset. Directly connecting the areas isn't necessary. They have the imagination and ability to see the value of the varied capabilities and focus. As long as your grades and such make muster, the extra scope of your life should be a plus in the process.
Best of luck with your applications and school career!
I'm a little late to this, but wanted to add my thoughts to your question.
I too have a sort of split focus in my life, and did going into college. I was originally a triple major: actor, math, computer science. I was/am also an author. When applying and interviewing for schools, I embraced all aspects of my interests. To be fair, I wasn't looking at a discipline such as medicine. If you are considering pre-med, then you probably do need to hyperfocus your interests. Pre-med is not known for its imagination. You can still discuss other interests in the interviews as a value-add and abilities. But other than that very specific situation, science and creative arts can nicely cohabit as a package.
I've found that to be true even after college as well. My current resume still reflects all of my interests. I am a professional actor. I am a published author. I was a software exec and am still in the industry as a tech writer. Others have also responded with the sentiment, but having broad interests can be an asset when seeking employment.
Firstly, broad interests show your flexibility. Being able to handle a wide range of information and situations is a solid ability. Secondly, and I would argue more importantly, do you really want to work for anyone who doesn't recognize or value all of your abilities? Though I focus my resume for specific jobs, I also purposefully have a few odd things on what I submit to see how employers respond to them. They are real aspects of my life, but I am always curious to see who will respond to them and how. I've passed on jobs where those items were received poorly because I knew the culture of the company wouldn't meet my needs.
Given the specific schools you are targeting, I think your broad interests will be seen as an asset. Directly connecting the areas isn't necessary. They have the imagination and ability to see the value of the varied capabilities and focus. As long as your grades and such make muster, the extra scope of your life should be a plus in the process.
Best of luck with your applications and school career!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
763
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Sanya, I want to first thank you for reaching out and asking your questions regarding your two strong passions in science/biology and creative writing. I hope the information that I have below provides you with some insight and/or help.
I want you to know that having diverse interests can be a significant asset as you navigate your college journey and beyond. While it's true that some competitive colleges may appreciate seeing a spike or a specific passion on your resume, it's important to remember that these schools also value well-rounded individuals with a breadth of experiences and interests.
Rather than feeling torn between your two passions, consider how you can integrate them to create a unique narrative that reflects your multifaceted personality and strengths. For instance, you might explore opportunities to combine your interests by participating in science writing or science communication projects, where you can use your creative writing skills to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broader audience.
Alternatively, you could pursue research projects or internships that allow you to explore the intersection of science and storytelling. By showcasing your ability to bridge these seemingly disparate interests, you can demonstrate your creativity, critical thinking skills, and passion for both fields, which can be compelling to admissions committees at schools like NYU or Vanderbilt.
Additionally, consider reaching out to current students or alumni at these schools who share similar interests to gain insights into how they navigated the college application process and integrated their passions into their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Remember, admissions officers are looking for authentic and passionate individuals who will contribute positively to their campus communities, so don't be afraid to embrace your unique combination of interests and showcase what makes you stand out.
I want you to know that having diverse interests can be a significant asset as you navigate your college journey and beyond. While it's true that some competitive colleges may appreciate seeing a spike or a specific passion on your resume, it's important to remember that these schools also value well-rounded individuals with a breadth of experiences and interests.
Rather than feeling torn between your two passions, consider how you can integrate them to create a unique narrative that reflects your multifaceted personality and strengths. For instance, you might explore opportunities to combine your interests by participating in science writing or science communication projects, where you can use your creative writing skills to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broader audience.
Alternatively, you could pursue research projects or internships that allow you to explore the intersection of science and storytelling. By showcasing your ability to bridge these seemingly disparate interests, you can demonstrate your creativity, critical thinking skills, and passion for both fields, which can be compelling to admissions committees at schools like NYU or Vanderbilt.
Additionally, consider reaching out to current students or alumni at these schools who share similar interests to gain insights into how they navigated the college application process and integrated their passions into their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Remember, admissions officers are looking for authentic and passionate individuals who will contribute positively to their campus communities, so don't be afraid to embrace your unique combination of interests and showcase what makes you stand out.